raising the debt ceiling does not authorize more spending. it simply allows the country to pay for spending that congress has already committed to. >> reporter: and with washington once again careening toward a fiscal crisis, this one involving debt and spending, the president made it clear he intends to stand firm. >> if congressional republicans refuse to pay america's bills on time, social security checks and veterans' benefits will be delayed. >> reporter: the president acknowledged republicans could end up shutting down the government if he doesn't yield on spending cuts. but he warned against it. >> i think it would be profoundly damaging to our economy. i think it would actually add to our deficit, because it will impede growth. >> reporter: another more immediate political fight for the president, confirming his pentagon nominee, chuck hagel, a republican, who got a boost on "meet the press" sunday from former republican secretary of state, colin powell, who used the occasion to take a larger, deeper shot at the gop. >> there's also a